Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Jay W. Schlegel
1953 - 2025
FUNERAL HOME
Jay Schlegel Obituary
May 26, 1953 - November 21, 2025
Bellefonte, Pennsylvania - Jay W. Schlegel, 72, of Bellefonte, passed away on November 21, 2025, at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College. Born on May 26, 1953, in Shamokin, he was the son of Walter S. Schlegel and Eileen W. Howerter.
Jay's family was the center of his life. He is survived by his loving wife, Debra; his daughter, Mindy; and his brother, Dan, of New Kensington, PA. He was predeceased by his eldest daughter, Kari. His family finds comfort in knowing Jay is now reunited with Kari in heaven.
On November 20, one day before his passing, Jay was present as Mindy and her partner, Nicholas, exchanged vows so he could share in their special moment, a treasured memory for all.
Jay earned both his Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and his Master of Science in Horticulture from The Pennsylvania State University. His graduate work contributed to foundational micrometeorological models used in agricultural research and crop protection.
After a brief role in Boston, Jay worked for AccuWeather and then joined ZedX, where he spent more than 25 years developing weather and agricultural models used across the United States and around the world. He created the "Hi-Rez Data" product, national weather risk maps for insurance companies, and numerous agricultural forecasting models for the SkyBit E-Weather service. He also relied on specialized weather data collected at the Barrens in Scotia, PA, contributing to global crop planning and environmental assessments. Jay later became a co-owner of ZedX and continued his work after the company's acquisition by BASF in 2017.
Jay will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his quiet kindness, and a work ethic that earned him deep respect throughout the meteorological and agricultural communities.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 29th from 12:00 to 1:00 PM followed by a memorial service from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Koch Funeral Home in State College, PA with Pastor Greg Shipe officiating. A burial and meal will follow.
Online condolences may be shared at www.kochfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Jay Schlegel
Funeral services provided by:
Koch Funeral Home - State College2401 S. Atherton Street, State College, PA 16801
Memories and Condolences
for Jay Schlegel
Sponsored by Centre Daily Times.
Make a Donation
in Jay Schlegel's name
How to support Jay's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Jay Schlegel's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
